Italian football legend Paolo Maldini has joined the growing roster of international celebrities establishing strategic investments in the United Arab Emirates, specifically aligning with Ras Al Khaimah’s rapidly expanding luxury hospitality sector. The AC Milan icon has partnered with RRS International Development for the launch of NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments, a $100 million mixed-use development scheduled for completion in 2027.
In an exclusive interview, Maldini revealed his attraction to the project stemmed from a personal introduction to RRS’s founders and their straightforward, founder-led methodology. ‘The approach felt genuinely serious—focused on destination development, hospitality concepts, and long-term asset growth without unnecessary pressure or theatricality,’ Maldini stated.
The former defender emphasized Ras Al Khaimah’s unique appeal compared to other emirates, noting its ‘calmer rhythm, natural surroundings, and accessibility.’ He described the emirate as a place that ‘integrates seamlessly into real life rather than representing a complicated plan.’
Market data substantiates Maldini’s investment rationale. Ras Al Khaimah’s real estate market demonstrated remarkable performance throughout 2025, achieving double-digit growth fueled by investor demand, luxury developments, and vigorous off-plan activity. Apartment sales prices escalated by 30.4%, while villa prices witnessed an extraordinary 41.9% increase.
According to CBRE analytics, the emirate registered a 39% year-on-year surge in residential prices during Q1 2025, predominantly driven by branded and waterfront developments, particularly those situated on Al Marjan Island. This artificial archipelago has emerged as the epicenter of buyer demand, with average apartment prices climbing 21.3% to Dh1,328 per square foot in 2025.
Maldini perceives Al Marjan Island as cultivating a distinctive identity rather than merely constructing a skyline, creating hospitality and leisure experiences designed to encourage repeat visits and sustain long-term value. Enhanced infrastructure, including significant road-capacity improvements between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah expected to reduce travel time by 45%, further bolsters investor confidence.
The broader economic context provides additional momentum, with Ras Al Khaimah’s economy projected to maintain approximately 4% annual growth through 2027, supported by sustained tourism and real estate investment. The upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort development further reinforces these favorable conditions.
Maldini articulated his investment philosophy, contrasting boutique luxury with mere extravagance: ‘Authentic luxury isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality. This project exemplifies curated design and a serene atmosphere rather than excessive opulence.’
The developer’s decision to retain approximately 50% of the inventory signaled strong confidence in the asset’s long-term appreciation potential, a factor that significantly influenced Maldini’s participation.
Beyond individual endorsement, market metrics paint a compelling picture. Ras Al Khaimah’s property transactions doubled to Dh15.08 billion in 2024, reflecting intensifying international investor interest. The market maintains competitive rental yields, with Al Marjan Island apartments delivering approximately 5.75% gross yields alongside annual capital appreciation of 15-20% in premium segments.
Maldini summarized his cross-industry perspective: ‘In football, discipline creates longevity. In real estate, discipline creates value.’ With disciplined developers, increasing global attention, and an evolving luxury-hospitality ecosystem, Ras Al Khaimah—and particularly Al Marjan Island—appears positioned for its most robust investment cycle to date.